April is National Volunteer Month. Every moment our volunteers give to the Iowa Department for the Blind (IDB) and the Library makes a huge difference in so many ways. Their willingness to share both their time and talents by volunteering with the Library says a lot. Their willingness to give selflessly to help others speaks to both their strength and the quality of their character.
For example, in 2019, volunteers gave over 7,220 hours to IDB and the Library. Volunteers assisted with audio production, braille production, youth programs, library circulation and more.
Our volunteers helped us do more in 2019 than we ever could have done to ensure we positively impacted Iowans lives. We thank our volunteers! This statistics illustrates how much their gift of time makes such an impact in achieving our mission and goals.
Moving into 2020, our volunteers are helping us through these uncertain times through their work at home.
Two of our volunteer narrators helped us launch a new program for the library called, IDB Read. Patrons can call in and listen to one of our wonderful volunteer narrators read live on the phone, followed by a short chat about the book. Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00pm-5:00pm, you call in and listen to our narrator, Christine, read a cozy mystery. The first one is titled A Scone to Die For by H.Y. Hanna. Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am – 11:00 am, you can call in and listen to our narrator, Bob, read a western, titled To the Far Blue Mountains by Louis L’Amour. Please call the library at 515.281.1323 to get the conference call number for IDB Read.
Our volunteer Braillists and narrators continue to work on projects from home for both the students and patrons ensuring our patrons have the information and materials that they need. Our Friends of the Library continue to work tirelessly on supporting the library through fundraising and support. And the Library Consumer Advisory Committee continues their work as advocates for our library.
Thank you again to all of our volunteers who continue to help us in so many ways!
For information about how you can help check out these pages: